You seem ______ (down, distant, different, angry, upset, disappointed…)

I notice… (you’re workload/motivation seems to have decreased lately….)

It seems to me…

I’m curious about…

I’m sensing that you’re feeling overwhelmed by today’s meeting discussion (or nervous about the upcoming deadline, etc.). Talk to me – we’ll figure it out together.

You mentioned that you always feel sick and tired during work. Tell me more about what that feels like.